AN ETERNAL MEMOIR
The Cathy Hughes Story
An Eternal Life Story of Vision, Power & Legacy
From a single radio station to a media empire — her story, in her own words.
Begin Her JourneyAbout Cathy Hughes
The Voice That Built
An Empire
Cathy Hughes is a pioneering American media entrepreneur whose vision reshaped the landscape of Black broadcasting. Founder and Chairperson of Urban One — formerly Radio One — she built the largest African American-owned and operated broadcast company in the United States from a single AM station in Washington, D.C.
In 1999, she became the first African American woman to chair a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange — a milestone that shattered ceilings and set a new standard for representation in American business.
Above all else, she remains a voice for the community — championing stories, culture, and causes that mainstream media long overlooked.
“I am the voice of Black America.”
The Journey
Milestones of a Legacy
1948
Born in Omaha, NE
Catherine Elizabeth Woods is born in Omaha, Nebraska — raised on the values of community, faith, and self-determination that would shape her life's work.
1975
WHUR-FM Program Director
Hughes joins Howard University's WHUR-FM as General Sales Manager and later Program Director, pioneering the "Quiet Storm" format that would influence radio nationwide.
1980
WOL-AM & Radio One Founded
With a single AM station in Washington, D.C., she founds Radio One — laying the foundation for what would become the largest African American-owned broadcasting company.
1999
Radio One on NASDAQ
Radio One goes public on the NASDAQ stock exchange, making Hughes the first African American woman to chair a publicly traded company.
2004
TV One Launched
Hughes expands her media empire to television, launching TV One — a cable network dedicated to programming for the African American audience.
2017
Urban One Rebranding
Radio One rebrands as Urban One, reflecting an expanded multimedia portfolio across radio, television, digital, and live events.
Present
Continuing Legacy
Today, Hughes remains Chairperson of Urban One, mentoring the next generation of media leaders and continuing to amplify Black voices across America.
Impact
A Legacy Measured in Voices
70+
Radio Stations
1st
African American Woman to Chair a Publicly Traded Company
Millions
of Voices Amplified
“Information is power, and we must control our own narrative.”
Watch Now
Experience The Full Story
Stream the complete documemoir exclusively here.
Stream Her Story NowLearn from Her Legacy
Courses & Masterclasses
Explore the wisdom, strategy, and resilience behind a broadcasting empire — now available as on-demand courses.
No courses available in this category yet.